Great British Bake Off – An Extra Slice – episode 5 2024

Great British Bake Off – An Extra Slice – episode 5 2024 Pastry Week Turned Up a Notch!

It’s Pastry Week in the Great British Bake Off tent, and as expected, the tension was cranked up a few notches. Flaky layers, buttery crusts, and a sprinkle of chaos—it’s all part of the game. In Episode 5 of the 2024 series, Bake Off’s beloved companion show, An Extra Slice, served up a fresh helping of wit and wonderful baking blunders. Hosted by the ever-hilarious Jo Brand, the episode featured Alexander Armstrong, Natalie Cassidy, and AJ Odudu, who brought their charm and biting humor to the table, turning Pastry Week into a delectable delight.

But the real question on everyone’s lips? Whose Paris-Brest truly became the “Paris-Best”? Let’s dig in, shall we?

Pastry Week: Sweet Dreams or Flaky Disasters?

Pastry Week is often where dreams either rise golden brown or deflate like a failed choux—it’s the kind of episode that separates the good bakers from the great. An Extra Slice episode 5 delved into every detail, as Jo Brand pulled no punches in her critiques. There were plenty of pastry fails to giggle at, but also a fair share of jaw-dropping successes to celebrate. As always, Jo’s razor-sharp commentary turned ordinary moments into laugh-out-loud TV.

Alexander Armstrong, the well-known comedian, brought his dry humor, mirroring the meticulousness that goes into perfecting a flaky puff pastry. Natalie Cassidy, of EastEnders fame, delivered insights wrapped in warmth, clearly rooting for the bakers who took bigger risks. AJ Odudu, meanwhile, brought a shot of infectious energy—it was clear she loved the creative messiness of it all.

The trio discussed everything from soggy bottoms to the elusive crisp finish that marks a successful pastry, each with their unique twist of comedy. The episode really showed that baking competitions are more than culinary prowess—they’re about heart, risk, and occasionally, rolling with the punches when the dough doesn’t.

The Paris-Brest Showdown: Paris-Best or Paris-Bust?

Now, let’s get to the star of the show—the Paris-Brest. If you’re unfamiliar, the Paris-Brest is a French pastry named after a famous bicycle race, resembling a wheel filled with praline-flavored cream. This week, our bakers tackled this classic, aiming for that perfect balance of lightness and rich, nutty filling. The question was—who managed to create something Parisian patisserie-worthy, and who ended up with something only fit for the “Paris-Bust” bin?

An Extra Slice didn’t hold back on its critiques. There were overfilled wheels, flat pastries, and even a few unintentional reinterpretations that made the judges and guests chuckle. One contestant’s attempt was dubbed “Parisian disaster chic” by Jo Brand, eliciting a roar of laughter from the audience—because after all, it’s the lighthearted approach that makes the show so beloved.

And yet, despite the chaos, there were some genuine successes. The bake that was unanimously dubbed the “Paris-Best” had crisp choux, a golden finish, and a luxurious hazelnut cream—truly a triumph of pastry magic. Natalie Cassidy couldn’t hold back her excitement, saying, “This is the kind of pastry you’d want to sink your teeth into after a long day—just pure comfort and joy.” AJ Odudu added her own flair, insisting it looked so perfect that “you’d almost feel bad about eating it—almost.”

Great British Bake Off – An Extra Slice – episode 5 2024

Behind the Scenes: The Fun, the Flops, and the Flavors

One of the best parts of An Extra Slice is how it brings out the human side of the bakers. We saw clips of contestants laughing off their failures, covering their faces as their puff pastries fell flat, and celebrating small wins—because, in Bake Off, even the smallest successes are worth cheering for. The camaraderie among the contestants shone brightly this week, and the show paid tribute to the supportive atmosphere in the tent, which is just as important as the technical skill.

The panel also shared a few tips and tricks for making pastries at home—including the need to keep everything as cold as possible and the best way to pipe choux dough for a Paris-Brest. Jo Brand, of course, offered her own version of advice: “Or you could just do what I do—go to the bakery down the street and save yourself the headache!”

Celebrating the Eliminated Baker

Every week, An Extra Slice offers a moment to appreciate the eliminated baker—the one who fell victim to the unforgiving standards of Bake Off. This week, it was a heartfelt goodbye to [Eliminated Baker], who couldn’t quite master the art of pastry. They may have been sent home, but their creativity and warmth in the tent will not be forgotten.

Alexander Armstrong praised [Eliminated Baker] for their tenacity, noting how “they never let a disaster bring them down, and that’s the kind of spirit we love to see.” Natalie Cassidy agreed, highlighting how [Eliminated Baker] had moments of real brilliance, even if pastry just wasn’t their week. It’s this sense of community—the way everyone celebrates each other’s wins and comforts each other during the losses—that makes Great British Bake Off a show that feels like a warm hug every week.

Why We Love An Extra Slice So Much

An Extra Slice is more than just a recap; it’s a celebration of baking, personality, and resilience. Jo Brand’s humor offers a comforting antidote to the tension of the main competition. Her jokes might make the bakers blush, but they also remind us that baking is meant to be fun. And with Alexander Armstrong, Natalie Cassidy, and AJ Odudu joining her, it’s clear this week that the chemistry was on point—a lighthearted take on an otherwise nerve-racking Pastry Week.

Bake Off isn’t just a baking competition—it’s a community, a slice of British culture, and a showcase of diverse personalities united by their love for flour, sugar, and butter. Whether it’s the Paris-Brest that rises to the top or the puff pastry that crumbles, we’re all here for the journey.

So, as Pastry Week wraps up, and we wipe the flour from our hands and crumbs from our lips, we’re left wondering: what could be next? Bread Week? Cakes? Whatever it is, we’ll be watching with bated breath—and Jo Brand will be ready with her trademark wit to keep us laughing, no matter how tense it gets in the tent.

What’s Next on Bake Off?

With Pastry Week in the rearview mirror, the stakes are getting even higher. Fans are already buzzing about what next week could bring, and An Extra Slice will be right there with more highlights, critiques, and, of course, more laughs. Stay tuned, grab your favorite dessert, and join Jo Brand, the weekly panel of celebrity guests, and the rest of us as we root for the bakers to overcome their next big challenge in the Great British Bake Off tent.

And remember—whether it’s the “Paris-Best” or a flaky flop, it’s all about the journey, the joy, and a little bit of butter.

Conclusion Great British Bake Off – An Extra Slice – episode 5 2024

As Pastry Week closes, we’re reminded of why The Great British Bake Off remains so captivating—it’s not just about the baking, but the warmth, humor, and humanity that make it feel like more than a competition. The bakers showed us that perfection is often elusive, especially with delicate pastries that can easily go from heavenly golden to heartbreakingly flat. But that’s precisely what makes it exciting: watching each baker roll with the punches, laugh at the flops, and celebrate the triumphs.

An Extra Slice continues to embody the spirit of Bake Off—bringing laughter to the successes and the failures alike. Jo Brand’s sharp wit cuts through the tension like a hot knife through butter, reminding us all that even when things fall apart, there’s always something worth smiling about. Whether it was Alexander Armstrong’s dry humor, Natalie Cassidy’s heartfelt encouragement, or AJ Odudu’s infectious energy, the episode was packed with entertainment that left viewers grinning from ear to ear.

It’s easy to see why the baking tent feels like a community—the support from fellow bakers, the panel’s kind-hearted humor, and even the audience’s cheers are all a part of what makes Bake Off feel so special. It’s not simply about who wins or who gets sent home; it’s about the journey that each baker takes, the risks they dare to make, and the joy that flour, sugar, and butter can bring to our lives.

As we move forward to the next challenge, anticipation runs high. Will it be Bread Week with its notoriously tricky doughs, or perhaps Cake Week where the stakes are always sky-high? Whatever is in store, one thing is certain—the bakers will give it their all, Jo Brand will be ready to make us laugh until our sides hurt, and An Extra Slice will be there to offer both comfort and comedic relief. We’ll be watching as the contestants continue to pour their hearts into every bake, and cheering them on, one flaky layer at a time.

After all, baking isn’t just about the end result—it’s about sharing, connecting, and embracing the unexpected, even if that means occasionally laughing off a pastry that’s more “Paris-Bust” than “Paris-Best.” So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s see what sweetness comes next.

FAQ Great British Bake Off – An Extra Slice – episode 5 2024